I've been trying to write this post for weeks, and just haven't been able to do it the justice I believe it so deserves. It seems, not surprisingly, that I'm not able to concisely capture the value that Camp Mystic has had in my life, which I think merits sharing because of the catharsis of doing so for me and for the benefit of others who are thinking of sending their kids to camp but just aren't sure about it yet. I could never describe all the activities, traditions, or special people because it would be an endless discussion and it's one of those "from the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it." kind of experiences. To describe them would never be as meaningful (although, probably still entertaining) to a reader who hasn't experienced it. The fact of the matter is that every June for the rest of my life, pieces of my heart and mind will retreat back to the Texas Hill Country in an attempt to relive what are undoubtedly some of the best times of my young life. To try to succinctly capture that through a blog post would be Mission: Impossible.
So, I'm going to outright ask my Mystic friends who happen to read this post (if there are any doing so), comment below with your favorite Mystic memory or what you love most about Mystic. It can include me or not, be a tradition or a specific incident. I just want to hear it. And if you didn't go to Mystic, but did attend summer camp, share a memory too.
I was inspired to write this post because, well, it's that time of year, and also because I have had people lately ask me about summer camp and Mystic as they struggle with the decision to send their little ones. This is not a struggle I share, because my kids are going to camp whether they like it or not...at least the first year. After that, it's up to them. Justus is excited about the idea of camp and he's still two summers away. Delaney may not know what camp is, but I have until 2019 to work on her.
Simply put Mystic was heaven on Earth for me. It's where magic happened. Girls developed into young ladies, good Christians, fast friends, dancing partners, fierce competitors, pranksters, group leaders, athletes, role models for younger campers, and so much more. The root of everything Mystic is about is wrapped up in three simple ideals:
Be a better person for being here
Let Mystic bring out the best in you
Grow spiritually
I can say with confidence that I lived these three ideals every summer, whether I realized it at the time or not.
To get to Mystic, you drive down this wonderful long, windy, shaded road passing many other camps along the way (which really only builds anticipation, I learned over the years). It was on this stretch of road, that I could literally feel, as we got closer to camp, the slow evaporation of the stressors of my ordinary life, including the just-ended school year, boys, friends, parents, whatever. When you enter the gates of Camp Mystic, it's like all the cares and concerns of the world stay on the outside while you go in to a whole new place. It's a world of no phones, no television, no computers, no boys, no makeup, no societal pressures, heck, hardly any radio (thank goodness for our Walkmans and "Jamboxes"(yes, it was the 80s when I started). It was a clean slate and fresh start every year, even better than the first day of school because it had been almost a year since I had last seen all these wonderful girls I knew. Everyone grew and looked different, had new skills and sometimes new attitudes. Particularly as we got to middle school age, it was amazing to see the transformation of some girls over the year that we were apart. Girls came from all over the place, but Houston and Dallas were the most popular hometowns. Being a San Antonio girl, I was definitely in the minority.
One of the most comforting things about camp is the tradition, or routine. Even after I stopped attending, I would know exactly what was going on at camp, and probably even what they would be eating for lunch, just by knowing what day it was (with one major exception-CC Day!). This actually proved to be a source of great heartache in those first few years after, as it made me miss it even more. Having said that, there's also a great comfort in knowing that when Delaney attends, she and I will be able to share in many of the things that never change at camp. It is a benefit to young campers or campers who are still a little unsteady in their first few years because the familiarity helps to diminish homesickness. I admit, I don't ever recall being homesick. Not once (and we were there for 4-5 weeks!).
While at camp, a girl has the opportunity to do a ton of different activities, learn new skills, and improve upon old ones. For me, it was the time of year I got to ride horses. I started riding at home when I was very young, but stopped for some reason, so camp was the only place I got to ride. We swam in the Guadalupe River, did organized dance routines, sang in chorus, did arts and crafts, played tennis, basketball, soccer, kickball, learned archery, tumbling....the list goes on and on. Some activities were designated by skill level (which provided a goal for future summers--to be in "advanced" fill-in-activity-here). Some were opportunities to not be so competitive when there was plenty of that already going on (arts & crafts, beauty inside and out, campcraft), and as we got older, we even got a "free period" (i.e.-NAP time!). We were on competing teams ("tribes") where we learned secrets of our tribe, cheers, and developed leadership skills. We recognized outstanding young ladies at camp for the fine example they set for other campers--within the tribe, within our cabins, and even at the dinner table. A lot of time was spent praising girls for doing good.
Healthy competition was one of the greatest lessons I learned at camp. Because of our competitive tribes, I experienced winning and losing, making the cut for a team and not, pushing myself until I was physically and emotionally spent (hello, War Canoe); and I learned how to do all of those things with grace. Because at the end of the day, someone else in your cabin was on the other side of that line and you still had to face each other. For the sake of everyone's feelings, we learned grace and respect in the wake of our many successes and failures.
At Mystic, I learned songs in the dining hall, on the waterfront, and up on Chapel Hill that I sing now with my kids (but I'd still like a Mystic songbook if anyone has one. HINT HINT!). I learned games on rainy days that I now play with my kids. I picked up skills that I use every day. I regularly meet people who know someone who went to Mystic--it happens more often than I would have ever thought. I love driving in Houston and seeing a suburban with a Camp Mystic bumper sticker. I know about schools, events, and places all over the state because of the people I met at camp. It has been a wonderful connection for me with so many people, and obviously, and easy topic of conversation. As I got older, I realized that, at least within the state of Texas, there was a reputation that came with being a Mystic Girl. Fortunately, it was a good reputation--one of a well-rounded young lady of strong values and character. For that, I am honored to be associated with Mystic.
We may have parted ways in 1996, but I will be forever grateful for the many summers I spent there. I am certain my sanity remained intact because of the annual opportunity to escape the real world and slip away to my little haven of peace. I so enjoy reading of my Mystic friends now sending their daughters to experience our great love, and I hope they are enjoying it as much as we did. I hope they cherish the experience and the friendships they develop, although I know the appreciation will not run as deep until they, too, are older and more removed from it. I can't wait for Delaney to have the opportunity to go, and am thankful that the kind people at Mystic have accepted her as a future camper. I long for her to have her own escapades, good and bad, and I hope that she loves it as much as I have and soaks in the experience and the life lessons along the way.
To my Mystic friends especially: we may only keep up with each other via Facebook (thank goodness for that!), but know that you are part of my most special memories and I treasure having known each of you!
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